Date: November 18, 2008
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

PNC Hosts National Pre-Kindergarten Conference

Westville – The Purdue University North Central Center for Early Childhood will be the local site for the Pre-K Now 2008 National Conference, "Breaking Down Barriers to Quality Pre-K: A National Strategy Session" on Wednesday, Dec. 10 the in Library-Student-Faculty Building Assembly Hall, Room 02, beginning at 11:45 a.m.

The intent of this event is to raise awareness about high quality early care and education in the community, which begins by developing a shared understanding of early childhood education and why it is important. Participants may register on line at http://events.preknow.org/page/event/detail/2008conferenceviewingsite/wrgj , but walk-ins are welcome. This presents an ideal opportunity for educators, parents, school administrators legislators, business and community leaders and other decision-makers to gather to learn more about early childhood education, exchange ideas and promote quality education.

The PNC conference will be among a national network of conference sites. This is a live interactive event, combining a nationally broadcast program with a local group discussion. Registration is at 11:45 a.m. The televised portion of the event goes on the air at noon.

There will be a break during the broadcast that will give the local participants an opportunity to talk about information presented during the telecast and address local issues of concern with discussion leaders Dr. Janice E. Katz, founder and president, The Child Care Consortium/Imagination Station Child Development Center in Michigan City and Mr. Kent Davis, principal at Michigan City Area Schools Eastport Early Learning Center. The conference will conclude at about 1:30 p.m.

Last year, there were more than 130 conference sites throughout the country.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer, assistant professor of Early Childhood Education at 219-785-5200 ext. 5637 or at meisenhauer@pnc.edu Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Eisenhauer.

 

#